Barbara Bedell: Christmas at Mount an international affair

Thursday

Dec 20, 2012 at 2:00 AM

Celebrating Christmas at Mount Saint Mary College is a beautiful experience, as the student body includes members who come from more than 20 countries, most observing Christmas Day in different ways, according to Matthew Frey, the college's director of news services.

Barbara Bedell

Celebrating Christmas at Mount Saint Mary College is a beautiful experience, as the student body includes members who come from more than 20 countries, most observing Christmas Day in different ways, according to Matthew Frey, the college's director of news services.

Ronald Lawyer of Garnerville comes from the town of Eremon in Ghana, Africa, where it's a spiritual day for Christians.

Opeyemi Ifafore spent her early years in Nigeria, where there are many Muslims, including her grandparents. They use the time to spend with their family enjoying lots of food but not necessarily gifts.

Maria Modena of Stormville comes from Brazil, where the holidays are similar with decorated trees and gifts, although it is summertime and the lights are artificial to repel insects.

Music is a common link, and whether it is played to the beat of a drum or the sound of trumpets, the college's annual Christmas Vespers program attracts a large crowd. This year, Durward Entrekin, music professor, led choirs from the college and St. Philips Church with accompaniment by the Hudson Valley Chamber Players.

The annual free Robert Caskey Christmas Day Dinner at Grace Episcopal Church in Middletown will be served from noon-1 p.m. It's an annual gift of labor, love and organization from Cyndi Franchio, who doesn't need volunteers. In preparation, however, cash donations are welcome. So are Christmas gift bags, new toys for children who attend the meal, and new hats, gloves and scarves. Before dropping things off, call the church office at 343-6101 to be sure someone is there to take your gift. The Town of Highland Falls through Mayor Joe D'Onofrio hosts a free Christmas Day dinner from 12:30-2:30 p.m. at the Sacred Heart School gym for people who are alone or have no place to go or food to prepare. For information, call 446-3828.

Dikeman Engine & Hose Company No. 3 and R.I. Suresky, both in Goshen, joined hands in donating money and toys for families in Oceanside on Long Island who are dealing with the devastation of Hurricane Sandy. Helping with the coordination was Tom Boxman, wholesale operations manager at Suresky's and a former Dikeman's fire chief. The gifts were delivered by members of the Disabled American Veterans. A gift of $1,000 has been given to the food pantry at St. Francis of Assisi Parish in Newburgh to install new refrigeration equipment.

It was donated by the Newburgh Employee Contributions Committee of C&S Wholesale Grocers Inc., which employs more than 450 people at its distribution center. The Price Chopper Corporate Gifts Committee also selected the food pantry for its gift of $250.